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Facility to provide specialised healthcare for oil workers and host communities
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Lawmakers say move will reduce agitation, boost Niger Delta development
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Funding to come from 1% oil and gas contracts, not federal treasury
The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill establishing a Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, to deliver specialised healthcare to oil and gas workers and host communities affected by exploration activities.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Onwakpo Thomas Joel (APC, Delta South), scaled third reading on Monday after a clause-by-clause consideration. It aims to address health hazards linked to the oil and gas sector, including terminal illnesses, cancers and occupational injuries, while fostering peace in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP, Rivers West), who presented the report, noted that the proposed facility would provide emergency care and reduce response time for industrial accidents.
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She emphasised that neglect of host communities had fuelled unrest in the region, adding that the hospital would bring medical relief and infrastructural support.
Senator Joel highlighted that Delta South Senatorial District hosts the country’s highest offshore crude oil production and serves major oil firms like Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil, Total, and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
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He stressed the facility’s strategic location and explained that its funding would come from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s revenue, sourced from one percent of oil and gas contracts.
The bill was first read on June 24 and scaled second reading on July 8. It now awaits concurrence by the House of Representatives before presidential assent.
